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blue peacock

bird
Also known as: Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus

Quick Summary

The blue peacock, also known as the Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus), is one of three species of resplendent birds in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. Native to India and Sri Lanka, this bird is characterized by the male's brilliant metallic blue-green body feathers and an impressive train of tail feathers, which are actually elongated upper tail coverts. These feathers are tipped with iridescent eyespots and are vibrated during courtship displays, creating a shimmering appearance and rustling sound.1

The female, or peahen, is green and brown and lacks the male's train and head ornament. Both species typically inhabit open lowland forests, flocking by day and roosting in trees at night. They lay whitish eggs in a ground depression, which the peahen incubates for about 28 days. The blue peacock is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Indian peacock
  2. peacock

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